Earth & Space Sciences

This course provides a background on the essentials of planet Earth's natural dynamics, and which processes are currently altered through human activity, by explaining how geological processes have shaped the Earth into its present state, and how current human activities are interfering with natural processes in Earth's ecosystems. Why the Earth's surface looks the way it does can largely be understood from Earth's internal structure dynamics. Aspects of the Geosphere that are discussed in class include the formation of planet Earth, the rock cycle, geological time, the inner Earth, plate tectonics, deformation, mountain building, and sedimentation and sedimentary basins. Emphasis is placed on the role of geological observations as evidence of processes that contributed to shaping the surface of the Earth. In addition, the course discusses the diversity of Earth's ecosystem and the importance of conserving biodiversity. The scientific aspects of global climate change are addressed, along with the way climate change is discussed and presented in the popular media.

This course is offered to non-science majors. This course explores the universe and its relationship to man from the viewpoint of ancient people to that of modern astronomers on space satellite. It emphasizes relevance of astronomy in natural sciences, engineering, humanism, and art.

This class presents a modern overview on the cosmos, as well as the multiple interrelations between humans and the universe. Topics include the basics of astronomy, planets and solar system, the sun, stars, galaxies, tools of astronomy (telescopes, satellites, etc.), spaceflight, life on earth, extreme objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes), and cosmology.

This field-based research project course engages in all stages of earth and environmental science field investigations and allows students to gain an understanding of different research methodologies: from design to implementation, through collection and analysis of data that addresses specific research questions, identified independently by each student. The course also allows students to experience collaborative research work with clear objectives and milestones. Students draw upon the knowledge and practical skills gained during the “Volcanology of the Mediterranean” course to identify case-studies and research themes of interest to study in-depth, choosing from the wide range of geological and man-made processes and environments which students are exposed to throughout the program. During the results interpretation stage the attention is focused on developing skills for reporting field results in the format of scientific publications. While the majority of the research work is self-directed, a research advisor is assigned to each student, who provides guidance during scheduled appointments on how to locate resources and collect data, as well as review the appropriateness and feasibility of the research methods and tools in a collaborative manner with the student. Earth science and Environmental science disciplines are grounded in observations at all scales, from satellite and drone imagery to microscopic sampling; upon placing the results of such observations into geographic, spatial, and temporal frameworks, conclusions may be drawn about the processes that occur within complex environmental systems, and predictive models may be developed to assess the effect of human interactions. This course provides students with an opportunity to practice and hone key skills in gathering and analyzing data from primary sources, as well as developing a coherent and compelling argument in a scholarly manner.